Senescence
Definition
Senescence broadly means the biological process of deterioration or functional change associated with ageing. In modern ageing research, the term is often used more specifically to describe cellular senescence, a state in which cells permanently stop dividing while remaining metabolically active. [1] [2]
Why It Matters in Ageing Research
Senescence matters because it connects organism-level ageing with cellular and tissue-level mechanisms. Senescent cells can accumulate with age and may influence tissue function through inflammatory and signalling molecules, while broader forms of senescence are used to describe age-related decline in organs, immune function, and physiological resilience. [2] [3]
Common Confusion
- Senescence is a broad term, while cellular senescence is a specific cell state.
- Senescence is not the same as apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death.
- Senescent cells are not always harmful; they can also have roles in development, wound healing, and tumour suppression.
Related Reading
References
- Campisi, J., & d'Adda di Fagagna, F. (2007). Cellular senescence: When bad things happen to good cells. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrm2233
- Childs, B. G., Durik, M., Baker, D. J., & van Deursen, J. M. (2015). Cellular senescence in aging and age-related disease: From mechanisms to therapy. Nature Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4748967/
- Gorgoulis, V., Adams, P. D., Alimonti, A., et al. (2019). Cellular senescence: Defining a path forward. Cell. https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(19)31304-2
This glossary entry is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.